Friday Night Preview: Hoops Take On Revs

One of those random Friday night games in Major League Soccer pits New England against Dallas. This game was originally on Saturday but got bumped up a day because of a Brazil friendly taking place. The MLS game gets the first leg of the doubleheader and then the Brazil friendly follows. You better believe the Revs will take the Brazil attendance as their own for this one.

Anyways, I think this is a great chance for New England to get a solid home win against a fairly decent side like Dallas. The Revs haven’t been consistent enough at home for some people’s liking, as evident in last week’s draw against DC. If they can put it together for 90 minutes tonight like I think they will, people will start giving them more respect at home like they deserve.

Dallas is coming into this match a bit banged up, as they’ve only gotten one win in their last seven matches. No Dario Sala again in goal for the Hoops (which means Ray Burse in goal (left)), and more than likely no Dax McCarty on the wings. Plus the looming coaching decision is still on-going for the club. The more it goes on the more it will beat down this club. Believe it, they won’t act like it does but it does.

New England probably still won’t have Taylor Twellman for this one as he is still on the injury list. But that hasn’t really mattered for the Revs who haven’t lost in four straight matches.

I think the strength on New England in the midfield will over match the youth of Dallas in the middle. As much as I like guys like Andre Rocha for Dallas, he won’t be able to do enough to push Dallas over the bar. Dallas really needs Juan Toja to step back into early 2007 form here this season, so far he’s largely been a dud this season for the Hoops.

If Dallas can get Kenny Cooper or Dominic Oduro the ball early in space and allow them to create, they could shock the Revs, who’s defense hasn’t been the best in recent weeks. But getting by Matt Reis will be another subject.

I like the Revs at home, in front of a big crowd or at least a late arriving big crowd. It should be a good atmosphere as we really haven’t seen a doubleheader with a MLS game and a friendly in a year or two. It should be fun.

The difference should be the play of Steve Ralston in the middle, feeding guys like Adam Cristman or Sainey Nyassi.